Milliner's equipment goes to auction

It is not often auction goers have the opportunity to see the workings of a milliner up close.

However, from 10am Saturday April 13 auctioneer Steve Graham will auction hat blocks and other hat making equipment and supplies belonging to well-known Mornington Peninsula milliner Jackie Newman, who is retiring from business after more than 30 years supplying hats for such major events as Caulfield and Flemington’s Fashions on the Field.

Jackie had a large reputation and an equally large clientele, including several racehorse owners, and her individual creations were always prominent during Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival.

“Most of my supplies came from overseas and I always bought early to avoid the rush for Royal Ascot,” she said. ‘The busy season lasted from September/October through to February with the running of the Mornington Cup.”

While Jackie sold her creations through retail outlets, many of her customers would turn up with an outfit and want a hat to match.

Jackie said many of the items being sold were top quality stock and could no longer be obtained.

“They have been replaced by inexpensive alternatives from China – from where many of today’s hats originate,” she said. 

The auction, at 64 Urquhart Street Woodend, includes antique and modern timber hat blocks, metal blocks, a steamer, boxes of feathers, flowers, ribbons, trims and fabrics.

There also is a large quantity of quality Sinamay fabric, plain and printed, hoods, cones, capelines and parasisals, along with containers of finished and part-finished hats.

The auction contains a selection of vintage clothing, furs, hats, gloves, scarves, fans, mannequins, and shop and dressmaker dummies.

There is a large quantity of vintage sewing patterns and sewing collectibles, Lalique and Mary Gregory crystal and arrange of porcelain.

Furniture includes leather Chesterfield chairs, a mirrored credenza, dressing tables, hallstand and antique sewing tables.